CE633-ENVIRONMENTAL HYDROLOGY
FALL 2008
FINAL EXAM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2008, 1900-2100

Name: __________________Red ID ___________________ Grade: ____________

Instructions: Closed book, closed notes. Use engineering paper. Please answer all questions. When you are finished, staple your work in sequence, and return this sheet with your work.

  1. Why does the Cucuchucho wetland consistently achieve high levels of performance in BOD removal?

  2. Why are the Campo and Boulevard residents of Eastern San Diego County opposed to housing development? Explain in detail.

  3. Explain how floods can be good and bad at the same time. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of levees for flood protection.

  4. Defend the position that the Salton Sea should be left on its own, with no intervention by society. Use the best possible argument that you can find.

  5. Where did the salt that plagues the San Joaquin valley come from? What is the best possible solution to assure the sustainability of the San Joaquin valley?

  6. Who is exporting unwanted salts in Southern California? Where are the salts coming from?

  7. What distinguishes the Wellton-Mohawk project in Western Arizona from other irrigation projects?

  8. What is the reason why the Ojos Negros valley is called as such (Black Eyes)? How can we confirm that the name has a physical basis?

  9. What percentage of precipitation (and what percentage of recharge) is a conservative value for sustainable yield of groundwater? Why? What resource should be monitored to limit groundwater pumping?

  10. How are conflicts between groundwater users usually resolved in the United States? Why?

  11. Bonus question: Explain why sodium chloride is a waste of the biosphere. Where does it originate? Where does it end?